Bb Trumpet Mouthpieces
Bb trumpet mouthpieces are for use on Bb trumpets only. Mouthpieces are listed from widest to narrowest inside rim diameters. Of all the models of Bb mouthpieces, only the Monette STC-1 and LT mouthpieces are designed for use on non-Monette instruments. The other, heavier mouthpiece models will not “match” the weight of conventional instruments, and we therefore offer them only to players who use an appropriate model of Monette instrument.
B1-1 MOUTHPIECES
B1-1 This mouthpiece provides tremendous depth of sound and stability of response. It has a unique round rim with an unusually deep cup. This is the largest standard mouthpiece we make, and is only recommended for the most advanced players. Designed for Charles Schlueter, solo recording artist and principal trumpet of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Also used by Brazilian trumpet artist Nailson Simones.
B1-1 S1 This new model has a deep, S-Series (SLAP!) cup. It provides a huge volume and depth of sound with an immediate, fast response. This mouthpiece was designed for our good friend Ed Cord, Professor of Trumpet at Indiana University.
B1-1 S5 We've had many requests over the years for B1-1 series mouthpieces with more shallow cups. This model has turned out to be one of the most successful designs we have ever produced! It has the same approximate cup depth as our very popular B1-5 and B1-2 mouthpieces, with a uniquely shaped "SLAP" cup. Very popular with Symphony players who are looking for a more efficient version of a B1-1.
B1-1LD S1 With a slightly shallow "SLAP" cup, this model feels about the same depth as our deeper lead trumpet mouthpieces such as the B4LD. While the physical depth from the high point of the rim is actually closer to a B2 (see chart), the unusually round B1-1 rim (which curves very far down into the cup) makes the mouthpiece feel and play like a more shallow mouthpiece. The end result is a mouthpiece that is almost impossible to "bottom out" on, but still helps produce a huge lead trumpet sound, with a very easy upper register. After dozens of prototypes as we fine-tuned this design, Dave Monette played the final version right off the lathe, and was stunned with the results. Designed for our many friends in Brazil who have asked for this model for many, many years!
B1-1L This mouthpiece has a shallow cup to begin with, and due to the very round contour of the B1-1 rim, it feels even more shallow than it looks! If you have relatively thin chops and/or you usually don't bottom out on shallow cup mouthpieces, this model used on Bb trumpet or piccolo trumpet will give you high notes all day long.
B1-2 MOUTHPIECES
B1-2 With a deep, bowl-shaped cup, this mouthpiece allows the player to produce a large, robust sound. It has the flattest rim, with the most bite, of any of the B1 series mouthpieces. Very popular with orchestral players all over the world. Used by Dave Tasa, principal trumpet of the Frankfurt Opera.
B1-2 S3 This new model is already very popular, as it provides a livelier sound and a faster response for most players than the standard B1-2. Used by Dennis Ferry, Principal Trumpet of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva, Switzerland.
B1-3 MOUTHPIECES
B1-3 This model was the original, first ever Monette mouthpiece. It was used by several of our early clients, and is still popular with some long-time Monette users, including our good friend Prof. Jerry Webster of Portland State University. The cup is almost as deep as a B1-1, with a very round rim. Unlike the B1-1 however, the point where the inner rim ends and the cup begins has a very well defined angle and "bite," even though the rim ends well down into the cup. This design is great for players who like the comfort of a round rim but with a well defined inner rim "bite" for precise attacks. This is still an all-time favorite mouthpiece for Dave Monette, since back in the mid-eighties he designed it for himself! We will now once again make this model by special order when requested.
B1-3 S5 We decided to revisit the original Monette mouthpiece design with the idea of an update after our friend Jerry Webster kept hearing his students playing our "SLAP" mouthpieces with great success. Jerry, who has used a B1-3 since the first one was made, asked us to design a new mouthpiece for him, and we had a great time working with our old friend. Please note that the S5 designation in this model refers to the computer design file number, not a specific cup shape. Therefore, the B1-3 S5 is a very different mouthpiece with a completely different cup shape than the similarly named B1-1 S5.
B1-4 MOUTHPIECE
B1-4 S6 This new model is designed for orchestral trumpet playing with a vengeance! It has the widest inside rim diameter of any standard Monette mouthpiece, with a very aggressive "SLAP" cup. The wide inside rim diameter helps the player produce a wide, full sound, and the unique cup shape helps the player "spin" the sound at all dynamic levels. The rim contour is between the B1-2 and B1-5M - but closer to the sharper B1-2. Fantastic for all orchestral playing, and very easy in the upper register. Dave Monette made dozens of early versions of this mouthpiece before he settled on this final design. Designed for Manny Laureano, principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra.
B1-5 MOUTHPIECES
B1-5M With the same rim as the B1-5, this variation has a slightly deeper cup, offering more depth of sound and stability of response. Originally designed for Chris Gekker, NY solo and recording artist and professor of trumpet at University of Maryland. Also used by Frank Kaderabek, former principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
B1-5M S12 This is an all-new "SLAP" mouthpiece, designed for players who like the B1-5M rim. It has an aggressive, well pronounced "S" shaped cup, which helps produce a large, vibrant sound at all dynamic levels. As with the B1-4 S6, this model has a rich stable sound in the low register and is very easy to play up into the extreme upper register on C trumpet (C1-5 S12). This model was designed for Calvin Price, Los Angeles studio recording artist and principal trumpet of the San Diego Symphony.
B1-5 This model has a medium bite to the rim and a medium cup depth, and allows the player to produce a full and brilliant sound in all registers. Used by jazz recording artist and composer Mark Isham.
B1-5LD Over the years we have had enough requests for this mouthpiece that we finally now include it in our regular lineup. With the approximate depth of our very popular B4LD, this model is often used by classical musicians who play our B1-5 or B1-5M size mouthpiece and who want a "Pops" mouthpiece they can play for an entire show - even in the low register - and still have considerable help in the lead trumpet range. This model has been updated so that the rim now exactly matches our other B1-5 series mouthpieces.
B1-5L This model has been updated so that the rim now exactly matches our other B1-5 series mouthpieces. It is shallow enough to really assist upper register playing, and still deep enough that many players used to a deeper mouthpiece, such as the B1-5 or B1-5M, will still not bottom out on it when switching back and forth. Developed for jazz recording artist and composer Mark Isham.
B2 MOUTHPIECES
B2M This is a slightly deeper version of the most popular mouthpiece we make - the B2. It has been popular with both jazz and classical players - and especially orchestral players who like the B2 (C2) rim but want a slightly richer, darker sound. Used by East Coast jazz artist and composer Ben Kibbey.
B2M S3 This new mouthpiece has all the advantages of the B2M but with a bigger, livelier sound and a faster response. The C trumpet version - the C2M S3 - is only a few months old as of this writing, but is already used by two of the most well known trumpet teachers in the country: Professor Charles Gorham of Indiana University and Professor Keith Johnson of the University of North Texas.
B2 This has historically been the most popular mouthpiece we make, because it works so well for both small group jazz and for classical playing. Designed for trumpet virtuoso and composer Wynton Marsalis.
B2 S3 This new mouthpiece has already become quite popular just by word of mouth since Wynton started using it earlier this year. Dave Monette took over a year to develop this design, making too many prototypes to remember! The goal was simply to design a replacement for the B2 that was better in every way. Dave wanted a mouthpiece that had a richer, livelier sound, a faster response, and larger "targets" on each note… oh, and an easier upper register too! We did it.
B2LD S1 This new "SLAP" medium deep lead mouthpiece is a wonderful all-around model for players who like the B2 rim and who might otherwise "bottom out" on a more shallow lead mouthpiece. Similar in depth to our very popular B4LD, it gives many players "the best of both worlds" in one mouthpiece, all with the advantages of our new "SLAP" designs.
B2L This mouthpiece is labeled as "NEW" because B2L mouthpieces made with our old tooling had a different outer rim contour than the standard B2. The old outer rim contour was even more rounded, which made it less comfortable for some players switching back and forth from a B2. This new, updated version has the exact, classic B2 rim, and as a result switching back and forth to different depths in the B2 family is much easier now!
B2.5 Many players like the rim feel of a B2, but want something just a little smaller. Or even more commonly, they play a B3 and they want something just a little larger - but they find the B2 is too large. This mouthpiece really feels like its own size - and it does produce a larger sound than the B3 without losing the intimacy many classical chamber musicians need. We can't say that this mouthpiece was developed for any one player, as so many have commented over the years that we should make it. Here it is!
B3 MOUTHPIECE
B3 This mouthpiece has always been one of the more popular mouthpieces we make. We think it will be even more popular, now that all our mouthpieces including this one have the rims and cups cut on our state-of-the-art CNC lathe. One drawback to this mouthpiece in the past has been that it has relatively small "targets" on each note. Now that all our mouthpieces are made on our new computer lathe, we have been able to "clean up" the last arc at the bottom of the cup for a perfect tangent blend into the throat of the mouthpiece. This opens up the target size, and makes the mouthpiece more forgiving to play without losing any of the positive qualities players have enjoyed with this size for years.
B4 MOUTHPIECES
B4 This is one of the most popular mouthpieces we make for part time classical players and students. With a semi-flat rim and a slight funnel shape to the cup, it is also popular with jazz players looking for a dark, full sound.
B4S Very similar to the B4 but with less bite to the rim and a slightly brighter sound. This mouthpiece is as deep as the B4, but has a more efficient shape to the cup, making it especially good for upper register work. This rim and cup design is used by New York jazz and recording artist Lew Soloff.
B4LD This mouthpiece is a slightly deeper version of our popular B4L. Over the years this model and the B6 have probably become our most popular mouthpieces with players who play all kinds of music and want one mouthpiece to do it all. The cup is deep enough to play low with a good sound, and shallow and efficient enough to help in the upper register. The rim is slightly flatter with more of a cushion feel than the B6. This model was inspired by Lee Walkowich, formerly sales manager at Boston's Rayburn Music.
B4LD S1 This new "SLAP" version of the popular B4LD is so new that not many players know about it yet- but we think that will change! As with our other "S-Series" mouthpieces, the B4LD S1 has a more colorful sound, a more immediate response, and when played aggressively a more percussive articulation than its "non-SLAP" predecessor.
B4L This mouthpiece is popular not only with many full-time lead players, but also with classical players who occasionally need a smaller, more shallow lead mouthpiece. The outer rim contour has been updated to exactly match the rim of the B4LD, which most players find to be more comfortable. Used by many well known lead players, including Seneca Black, formerly lead trumpet with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
B4L S1 Another in our "S-Series" mouthpieces, this model provides an easier upper register and an even livelier sound for many players. Like the B4L, the outer rim contour of this model exactly matches the rim of the B4LD and B4LD S1.
B5 MOUTHPIECES
B5 Slightly smaller inside diameter than the B4, with a pronounced inner edge to the rim and a deep "V" cup, this unique mouthpiece helps produce an unusually dark sound. It is especially appropriate for cornet players who also play trumpet. Our PRANA AP5 and BP5 versions of this mouthpiece for piccolo trumpet are used by Wynton Marsalis.
B5L This mouthpiece is even more shallow and has a slightly narrower inner rim size than the B4L. It is extremely responsive! Designed for New York Broadway and freelance lead trumpet player Tony Kadleck.
B5L S1 This new "SLAP" version of the B5L is extremely responsive and very fun to play - but it is only suited to players who can easily play very shallow mouthpieces. Unlike the standard B5L, this updated version has a wider outside rim diameter for more of a cushion feel to the rim. Designed for New York freelance jazz and lead player Ravi Best.
B6 MOUTHPIECES
NOTE: Our B6L and B6LD lead mouthpieces have always had a smaller, more cushion rim than a true B6. with countless players asking us for the last 20 years or so to make shallow "lead" mouthpieces with true B6 rims, we now finally do! Our old B6L and B6LD are now called BLM and BLD, since they have the same rim as our BL model. Please refer to the mouthpiece comparison chart and these individual mouthpiece descriptions for more details.
B6 This extremely popular mouthpiece is versatile enough for many players to use for jazz, classical, and lead playing. It is the shallowest mouthpiece we make that is still designed for the classically trained player. With a medium bite to the rim and an efficient cup shape, it is a favorite all-around mouthpiece, popular with students and professionals alike.
B6LD S1 For years and years, countless players have asked us to make a more shallow version of a B6. This new model is the deepest of three new designs that fit the bill. This model is designed for players who play a B6, and want a slightly brighter sound with some noticeable help in the upper register. With a similar depth as our B4LD and B4LD S1, almost any player can play this model without "bottoming out." If you play a B6 and want to have more zing in your sound and more fun playing high notes, this mouthpiece is for you!
B6L S1 Not to be confused with our old model of the same designation, the ALL-NEW B6L S1 has a real B6 rim, and a cup with about the same depth as our very popular B4L. If you like the B6 rim and can play relatively shallow mouthpieces, you will really have fun with this new "SLAP" design.
B6L VS This is a very shallow mouthpiece, and it is very fun to play! The most shallow in our new B6 series, it has a very pronounced "SLAP" cup and a true B6 rim.
B7 MOUTHPIECE
B7F This is a versatile, slightly funnel-shaped mouthpiece that is very efficient. The rim is slightly flat, with a medium inner rim "bite." Great for players who are used to playing a 7C and want a more comfortable mouthpiece that sounds full and exciting and will definitely help their upper register. Can be used in almost any playing situation, including both small group jazz and some lead trumpet applications. Designed for jazz legend Art Farmer.
B8 MOUTHPIECE
B8 This model is the smallest mouthpiece we make that still has a substantial cup depth. The cup is a fairly deep bowl shape, and helps the player produce a lovely sound in spite of the narrow inner rim diameter. This model was designed for the late Tony Neenan of Cork, Ireland.
BL MOUTHPIECES
BL The original Monette lead trumpet mouthpiece, this model was designed back in the mid-'80s by Dave Monette for his own use, and is still one of our most popular models.
BLR This mouthpiece is almost identical to our BL model, but the rim is more rounded and slightly wider in inside diameter. Dean Comley, our mouthpiece supervisor, hand-cut this mouthpiece as a one-time special for New Jersey trumpeter Stan Harrison many years ago. Now we are happy to make this model available as a standard model for players who like our BL or old B6L models, but prefer a softer rim.
BLM FORMERLY CALLED THE B6L. Slightly deeper than the BL, but having the same rim, this model is designed for players who like the BL model, but sometimes "bottom-out" when playing long jobs or unusually demanding parts. This mouthpiece is used by many top lead players, including John "Multi" Chudoba, New York freelance trumpeter and former lead trumpet with Maynard Ferguson
BLMR A slightly deepened version of the BLR, similar in depth to our OLD model B6L. Developed for New Jersey trumpeter Stan Harrison.
BL2 MOUTHPIECES
BL2 This is a smaller sized lead mouthpiece that has been popular with many players for years and years. Similar in size to our MF II, but with slightly more resistance and a brighter sound. Originally designed for Craig Johnson, former lead trumpet with Maynard Ferguson and currently lead trumpet on the Tony-Award-winning Broadway show "Spamalot"
BL2J A variation on our classic BL2, with a slightly smaller inside rim diameter and much more "bite" on the inside rim. This model is currently used by Craig Johnson, lead trumpet on the Tony-Award-winning Broadway show "Spamalot"
BL4, BL5 and BL6 MOUTHPIECES
BL4 S6 CLICK HERE FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS MODEL
BL5 Similar in rim and cup design to one of the mouthpieces Maynard Ferguson used back in the 1960's. This mouthpiece has an absolutely tiny inside rim diameter, combined with a relatively deep, "Vee-shaped" cup. The inner rim is very rounded, with very little "grip," to use Maynard's term for inner rim contour. Developed for Pete Ferguson, formerly with Maynard's Big Bop Nouveau.
BL6 This is the smallest mouthpiece we have ever made. It is very, very small, and very, very shallow! The mouthpiece was developed for former Maynard Ferguson lead trumpet player ALAN WISE.
MF MOUTHPIECES
MF II The MF II was Maynard Ferguson's first radical change in mouthpiece rim and cup design in over 20 years. Dave Monette worked personally with Maynard to develop the design. The result is an unusually easy-to-play, mainstream (pun intended) lead mouthpiece that has a huge sound. It "slots" almost like a classical mouthpiece! If you have ever tried our classic BL2 design, then imagine the same basic mouthpiece with a bigger sound and larger targets for an even more forgiving, stable response.
MF III The latest Maynard Ferguson model, this new size (Summer, 2003) is similar to the tried-and-proven MFII, but has a slightly wider inside rim diameter, slightly less bite to the rim, and a "SLAP" cup! This was the first Monette "SLAP" mouthpiece. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
